How to Fill Nail and Screw Holes in a Wall

Filling old picture-hanger and screw holes is a quick cosmetic repair that makes a room look finished again. The main trick is using less filler than you think you need.

Tools you will probably need

• small putty knife
• fine sanding sponge

Materials

• spackle
• primer or primer-paint
• matching paint

Project steps

1. Push in or remove any raised drywall paper around the hole.
2. Press a small amount of spackle into the hole and scrape the surface nearly flat.
3. Let it dry, then sand only enough to remove the ridge around the patch.
4. Prime and touch up the paint so the repaired area does not flash under light.

Common mistakes

• Leaving a mound of filler over the hole
• Over-sanding and creating a divot
• Assuming old wall paint will match perfectly without testing

When to call someone

Professional help is rarely needed for simple nail and screw holes. If holes are part of larger cracking, crumbling plaster, or water damage, investigate the underlying cause first.

Project costs and times are rough planning estimates. Product instructions, local codes, home construction, and actual conditions take priority.